Clean Slate Laws Are Transforming Lives: Evidence from Survey Research in Pennsylvania, Utah, and Michigan
The Clean Slate Initiative is on a mission to pass and implement laws that automatically clear eligible records for individuals who have completed their sentences and remained crime-free. So far, Clean Slate laws have passed in twelve states, and three states have led the way with implementation: Pennsylvania, Utah, and Michigan, in 2019, 2020, and 2023, respectively.
But what has been the real impact of these policies on the lives of people who live with a record?
To begin answering this question, CSI developed and commissioned a YouGov survey of 800 people with arrest and conviction records in these three states (58% in Pennsylvania, 30% in Michigan, and 12% in Utah) in collaboration with Dr. Nyron Crawford, Associate Professor of Political Science at Temple University. This survey provides critical insights into how these laws affect everyday lives, how aware those impacted by the legal system are about the Clean Slate law in their state, and the tangible benefits they experience as a result.
Key Findings:
Automated record sealing yields positive outcomes, especially in employment, family relationships, and mental health.
For those whose records were sealed through an automated process, the benefits were clear. Nearly half (42%) reported improvements in their work, employment, personal finances, or public assistance.
Over one-third (35%) reported improvements in personal and family relationships and health, mental health, and self-esteem (34%).
28% reported improvement in community and political involvement, and nearly 1 in 4 reported improvements in housing (24%) and education (22%).
The impact of automated sealing is notable, given the barriers faced by people with records in employment, housing, education, access to public assistance, and paying rent or bills.
Over 1 in 4 respondents report that accessing or receiving public assistance and attaining education, such as admission to school, training, or getting student or professional loans, were extremely or somewhat difficult after their arrest or conviction.
Nearly 1 in 3 respondents report that it was extremely or somewhat difficult to find housing.
Over 1 in 3 report difficulty getting a job, maintaining employment, making a living, or paying rent or bills.
Over half of people with felony convictions report difficulty finding housing, employment, and paying rent or bills.
In addition, petition-based record relief is difficult to access and confusing to navigate.
Lack of awareness/information, financial constraints, and the perceived complexity of the petition-based process were cited as reasons why those who had not previously tried to clear their records did not pursue record relief.
Although Clean Slate is already changing lives for those who have received relief through automated systems, many people with records, who may be eligible for automated sealing, did not know about Clean Slate.
Although nearly half the sample (43%) thought, after reading a brief description of the requirements, they may be eligible for relief under their state’s Clean Slate law, over half of the respondents had not heard of their state’s Clean Slate law (67% in Pennsylvania, 71% in Utah, and 54% in Michigan).
Among those who had heard of their state’s Clean Slate law, over half (52%) reported first hearing about it from the news media, followed by 20% hearing from a legal professional or agency, 12% from family or a friend, and 8% from social media.
Finally, most people with records support Clean Slate legislation and believe it can improve their lives.
Over three-fourths (78%) of the sample, all of whom are directly impacted by the legal system, support their state’s Clean Slate law.
Support for Clean Slate was more pronounced among Black respondents, with 88% strongly or somewhat supporting their state’s law.
Those who support Clean Slate provided several reasons, including overall support for second chances, recognition of the negative impact that having a record has on employment and social opportunities, criticisms of the legal system, and personal experiences.
Two-thirds of respondents (67%) think it’s very or extremely important for individuals to have past arrests and convictions sealed from their records given they meet criteria, and nearly 70% agree that “by clearing your criminal record, people like me have a good chance of improving our standard of living.”
People who are directly impacted by the legal system are often the least included in research and discussions about the policies that impact their lives. That’s why we prioritize the experiences of those directly impacted in this survey.
And the stakes of Clean Slate laws extend far beyond individual lives. By increasing access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities, these laws contribute to healthier families and communities and help address cycles of poverty and disadvantage.
Furthermore, the economic benefits are significant — the U.S. economy loses an estimated $78-87 billion annually due to reduced workforce participation by people with records. Clean Slate policies can help reduce this loss by enabling more individuals to re-enter the workforce and contribute to their communities.
While the survey shows that Clean Slate laws are already making a difference, there is still work to be done. Many eligible individuals remain unaware of these laws, missing out on opportunities resulting from record relief. Addressing these awareness gaps through targeted outreach, legal assistance, and community engagement is important for ensuring that Clean Slate laws reach their full potential.
The findings from our survey highlight the transformative power of Clean Slate laws and the ongoing challenges that individuals with records face. At CSI, we remain committed to advocating for policies that provide second chances. Together, we can create a future where people are not defined by their past mistakes but instead by their potential for growth, contribution, and success.